In a recent development, the Bombay High Court has directed online gaming companies, including platforms like Junglee Rummy and Rummy Circle, to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that seeks a ban on such gaming services. The PIL, filed by Ganesh Ranu Nanaware, argues that these platforms promote gambling, leading to addiction and financial ruin for users, some of whom have tragically taken their own lives.
During a hearing on Wednesday, a bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice MM Sathaye heard arguments from senior advocates representing the gaming platforms, who questioned the maintainability of the PIL. Lawyers Naushad Engineer, Venkatesh Dhond, Darius Khambata, and Parag Khandhar opposed the plea, asserting that online rummy is a game of skill, not chance. The court, however, directed the platforms to explain how the PIL is not maintainable and provide evidence supporting their claim that rummy is a game of skill. The platforms have been given a week to file their responses.
Nanaware’s petition contends that platforms like Junglee Rummy and Rummy Circle violate several laws, including the Public Gambling Act of 1867, the Bombay Prevention of Gambling Act of 1887, and the Information Technology Act of 2000. It argues that these platforms, by promoting what Nanaware claims is a game of chance, are engaging in illegal activities in many parts of India. The plea also highlights the tragic consequences of the growing popularity of online rummy, noting several instances where users have lost significant sums of money and, in extreme cases, taken their own lives due to addiction and financial despair.
Nanaware further alleges that celebrity endorsements from prominent figures such as Sachin Tendulkar and Shah Rukh Khan have fueled the platforms’ popularity, exacerbating the social damage caused. He had earlier filed an interim application seeking action against these celebrities but withdrew it after the court indicated that it might detract from the central issue—whether online rummy is a game of skill or chance.
Nanaware’s petition also noted that a Right to Information (RTI) request confirmed that the state government had not granted permission for these online gambling activities. Legal notices sent to Google India Pvt. Ltd., which hosts these applications, have gone unanswered, allowing the operations of these platforms to continue. The court has scheduled the next hearing on the matter for October 16, by which time all parties are expected to submit their responses.
